Hibs have been dealt a double injury blow with defenders Jason Naismith and Ryan Porteous ruled out for a “significant period of time”.
Both had to be withdrawn during Sunday’s 2-2 Scottish Cup fourth round draw against Dundee United with injuries.
Manager Jack Ross was hopeful neither was too badly hurt, but scans have revealed that both have sustained serious knee injuries.
Naismith has injured knee ligaments and is likely to be missing for around six months. With the right back on loan from English side Peterborough until the end of the season, it is likely the injury brings and end to his time at Easter Road.
Porteous also suffered a knee injury that will require surgery, but the prognosis for the Scotland Under 21 international is slightly more positive and he could yet feature again before the end of the season.
It is the second serious knee injury the centre back has suffered in the last year. He missed the second half of last season after picking up a similar problem in January 2019.
There was some good news however as Porteous signed an improved, extended contract with his boyhood club, keeping him in green and white until the summer of 2023.
Sporting director Graeme Mathie said: We are delighted to reach agreement with Ryan and his representatives to improve the terms of his contract.
“We work on the basis that the contracts for our Development players are standard and structured in a way that rewards them as they progress to make an impact in the first team.
“Ryan has worked his way to a point that he’s considered a key first-team player and we were delighted that he will continue his progression at the club for the foreseeable future."
